Do Your Cosmetics Contain Mercury?

Watch out for mercury in cosmetics; it may be a hidden ingredient in one of your favorite products. Likely candidates include skin lighteners and anti-aging aids.

Mercury is a poison that seriously damages our health. Last March, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to consumers not to use a variety of skin lighteners and anti-aging aids, sold as skin creams, soaps, and lotions, because they contain mercury. The mercury-tainted cosmetics are manufactured outside of the U.S. and sold here illegally either in small shops or online.

If you are using lighteners or anti-aging cosmetics, read the list of ingredients. If the cosmetics contain any of the following chemicals: “mercurous chloride,” “calomel,” “mercuric,” “mercurio,” or “mercury,” stop using the products immediately. Wash your face, hands, and any part of your body which has been in contact with the product. See your doctor for treatment.